Beretta breaks ground on Middle Tennessee plant

GALLATIN, Tenn. (AP)/WMOT — State and local dignitaries joined officials from gun-maker Beretta USA to break ground on a new factory here in the mid-state this morning.

Berretta announced in January that it would build a new manufacturing and research facility Gallatin.

Last month the company made a further announcement that it would move all of its weapons production to Tennessee. That move came in response to the passage of strict gun-control law legislation in Maryland.

Gallatin Mayor Jo Ann Graves couldn’t be happier.

“It is a $45 million investment into our community and they are bringing some 300 jobs. So this definitely changes the face of Gallatin.”

Mayor Graves says all the attention surrounding the Beretta move to Tennessee has led other companies to express interest in moving to the area.

Beretta is a family owned Italian company that’s been making firearms since the 1500s.